Rishard Matthews has the respect of his teammates, but now he must prove he's ready to man the Dolphins' slot position

DAVIE — — Nobody has to remind Rishard Matthews his number is finally being called, and that the Dolphins need him to step up as the team's new slot receiver.

Since Brandon Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Matthews has been constantly reminded by teammates, coaches, family members and friends.

"I think he's heard it 50 times already," wide receiver Mike Wallace said. "I've just been messing with him, telling him just to be a [smart-aleck]."

Everyone from Matthews' teammates, to coach Joe Philbin, to the team's starting quarterback will testify that this former Nevada standout is ready. The eight receptions for 93 yards he's brought down in his limited opportunities this season back up their claims.

"Since I've been here, I've contributed, but you have to pay your dues. When the time comes, be ready," said Matthews, a seventh-round pick in 2012. "The time is here now for me."

But there is some concern about the process being rushed because Matthews doesn't have much experience playing the slot receiver role, which involves a lot of route adjustments and defensive reads.

Wide receiver Brian Hartline took a deep breath and let out a huge sigh when asked if Matthews was ready.

Hartline had just spent the past seven months developing chemistry with Gibson, getting their two-man game to a point where the pair were able to play off one another. Gibson's development had allowed the duo to combine for five of the team's 11 touchdowns, three of which came from Gibson in the last two games.

"It just completely changes things," said Hartline, whose 35 receptions for 438 yards leads the Dolphins. "I think it's a pretty important position and the communication factor is huge.

"We have to have chemistry. I have to trust him. He has to trust me," Hartline said, referring to the two-man game he plays with the slot based on a defense's coverage. "It is one position that's hard to replace."

Matthews has practiced in the slot going back to last season, but not on a full-time basis. Even quarterback Ryan Tannehill admits his chemistry with Matthews will be a factor in the passing game moving forward.

"It takes time and some reps," Tannehill said. "It is a chemistry thing in the slot, knowing when to get uncovered, hot throws, timing in and out [of breaks]. But I feel good about it. I feel like he has a good handle on it."

According to his teammates, Matthews does bring a different dynamic to the offense, something that could be beneficial, especially in the red zone.

"He's our most physical receiver," Tannehill said. "Physical off the line, and able to go up and use his strong hands to catch balls up high."

Wallace compared Matthews to the Flintstones character Bamm Bamm, the son of cartoon characters Barney and Betty Rubble, who was known as a super strong toddler.

"Obviously Brandon is more of a technician-type player. Rishard is a raw strength-type guy," Wallace said. "Brandon is going to out-work you, out-craft you. Rishard will just maul you, De-bo you, push you around and get to the same spot."

Matthews has paid his dues, patiently waiting for his chance to show the development he's made since catching 91 passes for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns his senior season at Nevada, where he was one of Colin Kaepernick's favorite targets before he moved on to the NFL. But Matthews admits this new role might require some patience.

"In the slot, you have more room to work around. You just have to read the coverages better. I feel like I won't have a hard time adjusting," Matthews said. "You have to know everything. You have to read the coverages on the run. On the outside, you have to read if it's man or cover two. You've got to read the safeties rolling, determine if the linebackers are in cover two. That's a big challenge for me."

The Dolphins are optimistic Matthews is strong enough to shoulder the responsibility.